Gor Mahia right back Paul Ochuoga proudly displays his dummy cheque and personalised trophy he received after bagging the January Player of the Month Award/HANDOUT 

Gor Mahia stamped their authority on the 2025/26 SportPesa League in January, claiming both the Coach and Player of the Month awards.

Gabriel Akonnor’s tactical mastery and David Ochuoga’s defensive solidity were central to the club’s dominant performances, helping them remain unbeaten in the opening month and extend their lead at the top of the table.

Akonnor, now the first coach this season to win the award twice, credited the team’s resilience and collective effort for their success, highlighting key comebacks and decisive victories over Murang’a SEAL, Sofapaka, and Bidco United.

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Ochuoga, ever-reliable at right-back, featured in all six matches, picking up two Man of the Match awards, including a standout display in a 3-0 win over Sofapaka.

The Player of the Month shortlist included tough contenders such as AFC Leopards’ Fred Ambani, Bandari FC’s Bernard Mwalala, and Murang’a SEAL’s Osborne Monday.

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Ambani led Ingwe to four wins from five games, Monday guided his team to three victories in four fixtures, and Mwalala’s Bandari side earned 10 points from four matches.

Other notable nominees included Morrison (Gor Mahia), Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), and Jimmy Owili (Mara Sugar), all delivering impactful performances in January.

Since its inception in October 2025, the Player of the Month award has recognised the league’s standout performers, with previous winners including Musa Sharif (Gor Mahia), Paul Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), and Joseph Irungu (Murang’a SEAL). Ochuoga now joins this elite list, marking a memorable start to the year for the dependable defender.

The combined accolades for Ochuoga and Akonnor underline Gor Mahia’s dominance, as the club sits four points clear of AFC Leopards and looks set to carry their momentum deep into the 2026 title race.

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor claimed the Coach of the Month award, becoming the first manager to win the accolade twice this season/HANDOUT 

“It is a great honour to win this award again. Every player contributed in their own way,” Akonnor said. “Every match is an opportunity to show our skill and teamwork. We have fought in the final minutes on multiple occasions, and the players’ determination makes us hard to beat.”

He added, “This award is for the whole team, not just me. Our comeback against Murang’a SEAL was crucial. Fans and supporters add enormous energy, which pushes us to give our best in every training and match.

“The victories against Sofapaka and Bidco United showed how we can work together effectively. The season is long, but by taking it step by step, good results will continue to come.”